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Royal Mail’s Universal Service Changes

Royal Mail’s Universal Service Changes – What They Mean for Your Campaigns – an Update

Citipost Mail’s Expert Insights

In recent weeks, the UK postal industry has seen rapid developments in Royal Mail’s plans to reform its Universal Service Obligation (USO) – and at Citipost Mail, we’re committed to helping you stay ahead of these changes so you can plan your campaigns with confidence.

We’ve been in close contact with Royal Mail to interpret the latest updates, and here’s the current picture.

From Big Changes to an Interim Solution

The Original Plan

Royal Mail, after consultation with Ofcom and key industry bodies, had announced that from 28 July 2025:

  • Saturday deliveries for all Standard services would be removed, leaving a Monday–Friday delivery schedule.
  • Standard services would move from a D+2 to a D+3 delivery target, rolled out under an “alternate day” delivery model across the UK over the next 12–18 months.

This was a significant shift for businesses relying on consistent mail timings.

The Reality – An Interim Approach

On the planned launch day, Royal Mail adjusted course:

  • Saturday deliveries continue (for now) for Standard and Economy mail. Saturday deliveries for Economy mail are still expected to stop from 23 September 2025, but no confirmed end date has been set for Standard mail. Royal Mail have advised that delivered for Standard Mail on Saturday’s will continue until at least the 23rd September 2025.
  • Delivery expectations have shifted – while Royal Mail is aiming for a D+3 model, around 50% of Standard mail campaigns are still being delivered in D+2. The remainder arrive in D+3. To confirm, First Class, Priority and delivery-due Economy mail can open a delivery window for possible D+2 delivery event.
  • Large Letters remain exempt from the D+3 change for now, still targeting D+2 delivery due to technical sorting constraints.

What This Means for Mail Campaigns

If you’re planning direct mail campaigns in the coming months:

Saturday Deliveries Are Still Available (For Now)

You can continue to use Saturdays in your campaign planning for both Standard and Economy mail until the changes take effect.

Expect Mixed Delivery Speeds

Approximately half of Standard letters will still arrive in D+2, with the others delivered on D+3.

Large Letters Campaigns Are Unaffected

They continue to follow D+2 delivery patterns for the time being.

Economy Mail Continues to be delivered on a Saturday until 23 September 2025

After this date, Saturday services for Economy mail are set to be withdrawn.

Looking Ahead

Royal Mail’s long-term plan hasn’t changed – their goal remains a nationwide D+3 alternate day delivery model for Standard and Second Class mail. However, timelines are still evolving, and we’ll share a clear roadmap with our clients as soon as it’s available.

At Citipost Mail, we know these ongoing changes can cause uncertainty, especially for time-sensitive campaigns. That’s why we’re working closely with our postal partners, actively engaging in industry dialogue, and ensuring you get reliable, timely information you can act on.

Our Advice

  • Plan with flexibility – while Saturday deliveries are still in place, consider how the eventual removal might impact your campaigns.
  • Talk to us early – the earlier we understand your campaign goals, the more we can optimise handover timing to achieve your desired impact.

Citipost Mail – Your Direct Mail Partner Through Change

Industry changes can feel disruptive, but with the right expertise and insight, they can also present opportunities to adapt and improve. At Citipost Mail, we’re here to make sure your campaigns arrive when they matter most – no matter how the postal landscape evolves.

If you’d like to discuss your upcoming campaigns or understand how best to plan around these changes, get in touch with your Citipost Mail Client Relationship Manager or Business Development Manager.

Alternatively you can contact us HERE

 |  Industry Insights